Japan-Italy Film Treaty Hailed as Co-Production First Step
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The new co-production treaty signed between Japan and Italy is being touted as a significant step towards reintegrating Japan’s film production industry with those overseas countries.
The agreement – signed in June and activated in August – was directly referenced on Monday by Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and has colored the programming of this week’s Tokyo International Film Festival, which includes a Nanni Moretti retrospective, closes with Marcello Mastroianni tribute film “Marcello Mio” and sees his daughter Chiara Mastroianni set as a member of the festival’s main competition jury.
The treaty’s ratification also gave rise to a reception Tuesday at the Italian embassy in Tokyo’s Tamachi district. “Tonight’s reception is more than a celebration — it is a call to action.
Our creative industries can come together to build narratives that reset borders,” said Italian ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti at the event. “Blending Italian and Japanese art creativity and innovation.
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